Bipartisan Lawmakers Question Army's Decision to Halt Drone Warfare Specialization
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers, including Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, independent Senator Angus King of Maine, and Republican Representative Mike Turner of Ohio, has formally requested an explanation from the Army regarding its decision to stop a European-based military unit from specializing in drone warfare. The 173rd Airborne Brigade, comprising 600 soldiers, was established in November to focus on drone operations, including building its own drones and practicing tactics similar to those used in conflicts in Ukraine and against the U.S. The lawmakers expressed significant concerns that this move would impede the U.S. military's ability to learn from allies, particularly the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and hinder the modernization of drone warfare at a necessary pace. They have requested a briefing by September 21 from departing Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and General Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s acting chief of staff, to unde...